Morris County pizza shop provides free food to those on SNAP, anyone needing help
Since Saturday, those in need have been without money on their cards, though some level of relief is on the way.
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Roughly one in eight Americans rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or SNAP. Since Saturday, those in need have been without money on their cards, though some level of relief is on the way. In the meantime, a Morris County business is making sure no one goes hungry.
"I've been on food stamps before, you know, I grew up on food stamps,” said Dough Dash Pizza co-owner Mey Murtis. “I know what it's like to go hungry."
That compassion has led Murtis and her Dough Dash Pizza team to act with a giveaway.
"I'm seeing now other people are doing it, which honestly makes me so happy. I love that,” said Murtis.
Their establishment is handing out personal pizza pies as the government shutdown lingers on. If a larger family needs assistance, a large pie is up for grabs.
"If, you know, somebody doesn't like pizza, just let us know. We're very accommodating, nurturing,” said Murtis. “Whatever you need we can give you."
Murtis said they've helped roughly six families so far but they're hoping to extend the outreach. She also has no exact ending in sight, even with Monday's update that the Trump Administration will partially fund SNAP after last week's judges' rulings.
"As long as there's hungry people out there that don't have access to food, I will continue this,” said Murtis. “To me, this is an integral part of my faith where we have to help those that need it."
Government workers affected by the shutdown, those usually relying on SNAP or anyone falling on tough times are welcome.
"We used to live on food stamps in the beginning, I'll just say the truth. Now that we can give, we don't hesitate,” said Hazem Shalby, Mey's father-in-law and shop co-owner.
Partial SNAP funding amounts and when New Jersey residents could see some rollouts are uncertain.
The Oakley Kitchen in Nutley is also doing a similar giveaway, where people have to show their SNAP card or federal government work ID.
